February 01, 2014

How to Take Care of, Store & Adore Your Fine Gemstone Jewelry

I don't need love For what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me For when love's gone they'll luster on.

- from Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds only luster on, however, when they are taken care of. Ditto any other precious gems you've been lucky enough to acquire. The acquisition part is where we tend to spend so much time and effort that the other important element gets overlooked: keeping it glitzy. Many gemstones are routinely treated to enhance color and clarity; this is a commonplace practice - and generally not unethical, unless undisclosed - but aesthetic treatments do affect durability. As do factors like too much sunlight, humidity, heat and some common household cleaners. Fortunately, care of fine jewelry is actually pretty easy and comes down to only three basic things:

Knowing what will harm it.

Cleaning it correctly.

Keeping it safe when you're not wearing it.

For all the details, be sure to check out my latest piece for Answers.com, which covers the basics of wear & care for all the birthday gemstones as well as other popular stones and materials. It's in-depth but useful. I promise!

- Lesley Scott

Looking for answers to your other fashion conundrums? Be sure to check out my regular column for Answers.com- which solves everything from how best to store tall winter boots, to how to wear a red dress and the difference between fashion & style.

Tags:
Fashion, Fine Jewellery, Fine Jewelry, Gemstones, How to Care for Fine Jewelry, How to Care for Gemstones, How to Care for Jewellery, How to Care for Jewelry, How to Clean Fine Jewelry, How to Clean Gemstones, Jewellery, Jewelry

Comments

I don't need love For what good will love do me? Diamonds never lie to me For when love's gone they'll luster on.

- from Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds only luster on, however, when they are taken care of. Ditto any other precious gems you've been lucky enough to acquire. The acquisition part is where we tend to spend so much time and effort that the other important element gets overlooked: keeping it glitzy. Many gemstones are routinely treated to enhance color and clarity; this is a commonplace practice - and generally not unethical, unless undisclosed - but aesthetic treatments do affect durability. As do factors like too much sunlight, humidity, heat and some common household cleaners. Fortunately, care of fine jewelry is actually pretty easy and comes down to only three basic things:

Knowing what will harm it.

Cleaning it correctly.

Keeping it safe when you're not wearing it.

For all the details, be sure to check out my latest piece for Answers.com, which covers the basics of wear & care for all the birthday gemstones as well as other popular stones and materials. It's in-depth but useful. I promise!

- Lesley Scott

Looking for answers to your other fashion conundrums? Be sure to check out my regular column for Answers.com- which solves everything from how best to store tall winter boots, to how to wear a red dress and the difference between fashion & style.